Despite Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, trooper. England's side could be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is fazed. Exists one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before a new generation started playing. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to weather a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, with a supporter portraying a monarch leading a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how stunning their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were brought together in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the initial chants.

One original can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that formative tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we still get today," he recalls. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their ranks had swelled significantly. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. That bond remains.

An Maturing Operation

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the sport as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will host a large number of paying travellers. Numerous activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it launched a thriving business. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to step away from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a series victory persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.